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CHARLESTON, S.C. — SchoolWheels Direct, a subsidiary of Student Transportation Inc., will debut its new service here to provide direct-to-parent transportation service to charter and private schools.

Families with students enrolled at schools serviced by SchoolWheels Direct will now be able to sign up for the type of bus service they would like, choose a route, make payments and manage their account on the provider's website, www.schoolwheels.com.

The fleet of vehicles servicing the area will consist of new school buses that feature air conditioning, onboard GPS, camera systems for safety and security, and other technology-enhancing products and services, according to the company.

Parents of students riding on these vehicles can also purchase the company's app, SafeStop, which allows them to securely track the status of their child's bus along its route to and from school every day, company officials said.

"When parent groups in the area reached out and spoke to us, it became clear that they were looking for the safest vehicles and an easy system to sign up and pay," said Robert Scholer, director of sales for SchoolWheels Direct, who is leading the Charleston launch. "So, our mission for this coming year is to provide the greater Charleston area with state-of-the-art vehicles and give more parents the safety and customer service they deserve. That's what we provide."

SchoolWheels Direct is working with various schools and organizations and plans to announce multiple agreements for new service in the upcoming weeks. The company also plans to offer bus service for any area public or private schools or organizations that need transportation for field and athletic trips or special events.

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